ok I have not read too much on the tko500 but if it is the "new" 3550, does it still have the 3550 tail spline count?, what about the clutch spline count. The reason I was leaning to the 3550 was that the rear yoke did not have to be changed, and the clutch did not have to be changed as well. since the 3550 and the t5 had the same splint count on the main shaft (well they were the same shaft). This can save a bit of money on the swap if the tko500 had the same stuff as the old 3550 in this aspect.
In other words 35-50$ up front and $300 or so out the back on odds and ends in savings with the 3550 (type, if the tko500 is in deed the same setup) over the tko600.
Now if you need a new clutch and can get a hook up on the yoke deal then why hell yes I would vote for the tko600.
TKO 500 with a 26 spline input. It has the best over all ratio's IMO. I dont like those weak sub 3.0 first ratio's. I'm going with a regular TKO for my car. Im buying it used from a dude on here, way cheaper than buying new, I cant justify that right now. This one only has 1000 miles on it. I'm getting it for $1100 shipped with a pro 50 shifter.
id go Viper Spec T56...ive heard nothing but good things about that tranny, and not to mention its just the one I want some day...i dont think you should skimp here...but that being said, i think either way you go you will be happy...
1. The Viper spec T56 is definitely stronger. But I haven't heard of anyone breaking a "regular" T56 lately, even with 700+ horsepower. And the Viper spec costs quite a bit more.
2. I can't justify the T56's extra gear. It would be slightly better on the highway, that's about it. Other than the cool factor, the extra overdrive below 6th is not really worth much to me -- I'd shift out of 4th at about 128 mph, and I don't drive that fast on the street or on the track.
So I'm leaning towards the TKO600, because it's cheaper. The ratios on the TKO500 may be better, but I'm concerned about the strength of the input and mainshafts on the 500.
Hairy, you can get the tko500 with the 26 spline input shaft. I beleive its a $30 option? With your 280rwhp car, I dont think you have anything to worry about. You'll probably be a touch faster too with the 500 over the 600 with the batter 1st gear ratio. Its rated at 500 ft/lbs and your no way near that. Like I said, i'm buying a used tko and its rated at 450 ft/lbs I beleive. Should be more than enough for the 400rwhp 347 I have planned. To each their own Happy choosing lol
1. The Viper spec T56 is definitely stronger. But I haven't heard of anyone breaking a "regular" T56 lately, even with 700+ horsepower. And the Viper spec costs quite a bit more.
Well, I suppose it's a relative issue, but I wouldn't consider $500 a lot of money, especially for an extra 110 lb/ft of rated capacity. But the point is moot if you don't ever plan on reaching those levels.
HairyCanary said:
2. I can't justify the T56's extra gear. It would be slightly better on the highway, that's about it. Other than the cool factor, the extra overdrive below 6th is not really worth much to me -- I'd shift out of 4th at about 128 mph, and I don't drive that fast on the street or on the track.
For a street/strip car, I'd have to agree with you whole heartedly. Unless there's lots of highway miles involved and you want to run some pretty low gearing, the extra gear is really just a pimperiffic mod. But there are other aspects of performance driving out there. Opentracking for instance, is a venue where that extra gear could come in handy, and is one of the reasons I plan on getting the Viper spec tranny for my GTS. Another reason being the twin turbo stroker motor that will be residing in front of it.
"Stock" is a joke . And I'm planning ahead -- even if my T-5 weren't already coming apart, I am planning to make more than enough power next year to take care of it for good.